Fremont Ready To Enforce Occupancy Laws

Fremont police will begin issuing occupancy licenses on Thursday as part of the city's ordinance aimed at combating illegal immigration.

Fremont is one of only a handful of cities trying to restrict illegal immigration and, like those other cities, has found itself mired in court fights because of the regulations. City leaders put the ordinance on hold after the 2010 vote while courts reviewed it. A portion requiring employers to use the federal E-Verify system already has been implemented.

In February nearly 60 percent of voters decided to keep the housing portion of the ordinance.

Police Chief Jeff Elliott said each rental property occupant 18 or older must obtain an occupancy license. The ordinance doesn't affect people living in rentals before Thursday.